LibrariesDesignedforKids Workshop NolanLushington Lushingtonassociates.com nlushington@snet.

net

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Topics
NewIdeasandPlans

Thinkingaboutkidsandlibraries

SmallKidsandThemes

TallKidsFindingthings

Planning

Behaviors

ZonesBoundariesandPathways

Groups

StoriesandCrafts

FamilyPlacesParents

Teens

StaffServices
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ThinkingaboutkidsandLibraries
FirsttimeusersEntryandSequence

Smallkids

Tallkids

BehaviorsAlternating

Zones

Boundaries

Pathways

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ThePlanningProcess
FocusGroups Staff Kids ParentsandCaregivers CommunityOrganizations Artswriters Daycare DonorsDefinition NamingOpportunities AdoptalibraryRCMPKennedy

Schoolsprivateandpublic PublicMeetings

DesignPhases BuildingProgramFunctionalAreaSheet SchematicandDesignDevelopment Construction FurnitureandEquipment

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GraphicsandLighting Statistics usevs.space

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BehavioralDesign
BehaviorMapping Carrels,boothsortables PacoUnderhillWhyWeBuy TheInvariableRight DecompressionZone AlternatingZones Noisy Lighting Fluorescent Colors BrightColors Furnishings Tables Quiet Tablelamps Mutedcolors Carrels

Boundaries Partitionsmovablesolidorglass Shelving Carpetcolor Lighting Ceilingheight

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AStreamlinedApproachtoplanningforsmalllibraries Somelibrariesmayfinditusefultousethefollowingcondensedstepsin planning: FormacommitteetoplanIncludecommunitymembers: Towngovernment Potentialcontributors Localorganizationsandschools Friendsofthelibraryandavidusers Selectalibraryconsultanttoguidetheplanningcommitteethroughthe followingsteps; Developafactsheetaboutthecommunityandthelibraryshowing: Existinglibraryservices Populationprojectionfor20years Libraryactivityforpasttenyears Libraryhistory. DefinecurrentconditionsinthelibraryandconductSWOTanalysis: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats OrientPlanningCommittee(who,what,why,when)SettimeLineforprocess DetermineCommunityVision SelectLibraryServiceResponseslinktocommunityneeds WriteMissionStatement DetermineGoalsandObjectivesSpecificobjectivesforservicesandbuilding Conductneedsassessment Writebuildingprogram Hirearchitecttodesignproject DetermineResourcesRequiredBudget,staff,maintenance Writecommunicationplan/obtainfunding. Designandbuild

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SampleVision,Mission,Objectives
VisionThePublicLibrarywillbeadynamicplacepromotingtheloveof knowledgeandthejoyofreading. MissionThePublicLibraryconnectsindividualswithresourcesinorderto enhancelivesandbuildcommunity. GoalThelibrarywillpromoteearlyliteracythroughprograms,services andcollectionswhichmeetthepersonal,informationalandrecreational needsofchildrenfrombirththroughkindergarten,theircaregiversandtheir families. Objective1:Stimulatethegrowthofreadingskillsbyofferingsupporting servicesandprograms. Objective2:Select,maintainandpromotereading,viewingandlistening materialsappealingtoavarietyofinterests. Objective3:Offerstafftrainingonearlyliteracyprinciplesandontheskills requiredtodeliverprogramsandmaterialstoyoungchildrenandtheir caregivers. Objective4:Increasecommunityawarenessoftheimportanceofearly literacyexperiencesandtheresourcesavailableatthelibrary. Objective5:Provideanappealing,engagingandsafeenvironment. Objective6:Buildrelationshipswithcommunitygroupsthatservepreschool andkindergartenagechildren.

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SampleBuildingProgramNarrative Children'sAreaandTeenServices
Children'sLibraryFacilityPlanning
TheChildren'sservicesareashouldprovidespaceforafullrangeofservicesand activitiestopromoteandencouragelearning,reading,andtheenjoymentof booksandothermaterials.ThedesignandappearanceoftheChildren'sRoom willmakealastingimpressionuponthechild.Thereshouldbeplantsand pleasantoutsideviews.Theareashouldexpresswarmthandfriendlinessand suggesttoparentandchildthatthisistheplacetocomeinordertosatisfy educational,informationandrecreationalneeds. Servicesandmaterialsinthisareamustmeettheneedsofarangeoflibrary users,fromthecuriousinfantstothedevelopingpreteenwithrapidlychanging interests.Itmustalsoservetheneedsofparents,childcareprofessionals,and otherswhowillusethechildrenscollectiontosupporttheirworkwithchildren. DesignOptions Children'sfacilitiesareoftendesignedtoattractchildrenwithplayfulconcepts. Creativetreatmentofceilings,doors,windows,andfurnishingsprovideastrong immediatemessagethatthisisaspecialplace.However,librariesarespecial placesinthemselves.Books,videos,music,imagesandwordsencourage children'simagination.Theseitemsthemselvesshouldbethedecorationofthe children'sroom.Alargetraincancontainpicturebooksbinsascarsinthetrain, butitshouldlookmorelikeapicturebookbinthanafreighttrain.Achildren's lowplatformoverlookingthepicturebooktraincanhintatthecaptain'sdeckof anoceanliner,buttryingtoohardtomakeitintoanactualoceanlinercanlook cuteandcornyandbeboringintime.Furnishingsandequipmentshould encouragechildren'simaginationtomakethemwhattheywill.Theplatformcan beadeck,aballoonfloatingintheskyoraspacestationdependingonthechild's imagination. Thecharacter,andhistoryofthecommunityshouldbeexpressedbydistinctive images.Classicanddurableimagesshouldgracesomeofthewallsofthe children'sareaswherechildrencanseethem.Imagesshouldflownaturallyfrom thelibrary'sfunctiontostimulatetheimaginationwithavarietyofwaysto experiencethesematerials.
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Height Childrengrowatvaryingratesandpsychologicallychangewithchameleonlike speedsocloseattentionshouldbepaidtothesecharacteristicsinthedesignof theroom.Adultdesignersshouldtrywalkingaroundontheirkneestogetsome senseofhowchildrenwillexperiencethesespaces.Sixtyinchhighbookstacks canseemlikedarkcavernstofouryearolds.Conversely,anyopportunityto givechildrensomeheightintheroomwillbewelcome.Theinnovativenew designsinchildren'splayscapesshouldgivesomecluestohowchildrenrespond toheight.Asmalllowplatformwithpaddedmatstosoftentheinevitablefalls willbeavaluedplaceintheroom,likereadinginatreehouse.(note:These playscapesshouldbeeasilychangeableorremovableifthespaceneedstobe redesignedforotheruse.) Displays Changeabledisplaysandseasonaldecorationsareanimportantaspectofthe Children'sArea.Thereshouldbetackabledisplaywallsindifferentpartsofthe room,aswellasdisplaycases. Lighting Controlled,naturallightingaswellasindirectanddiffuseambientlightingwill impartaquietandcozyatmospherebyavoidingglare,butspecialadjustable spotlightingformaterialsanddisplaysshouldprovidestrongvisual punctuationformaterials. OpennessandQuiet Spatialdensityandopennesspresentsomethingofadesignproblem.Theneed tomonitorchildrencanconflictwiththechild'sneedforprivacy.Atthesame time,researchintotheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofdesignoptionshas producedambiguousresults.Studieshaveshownthatspatialdensitytendsto increaseaggressionamongpreschoolchildren.Openareastendtoresultin runningandcrossroomtalking.Activityareaswithpartitionstendtoincrease cooperativebehavior.Theanswermaybelowdividersbetweenactivityareas withhigherdividersandincreasingprivacyforolderchildren.Furnishingsand dividersshouldalwaysbelowenoughsothatchildrencanseeandbeseenby staff.Childrenmayseekrelieffromoveractiveopenareasinquietalcoves.

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Vestibuleentrance Thisareamayincludeadisplayofchildren'sartandcommunityevents.From theentrancethereshouldbeanorientingviewofotherchildren'sserviceareas. Thereshouldbedirectaccesstothestoryroomfromtheentrance. DevelopmentalAreas Eachoftheareaslistedbelowshouldserveasanimaginallandscapeofthe developmentalperiod.Thespaceshouldinvokeasenseofcontainmentforthe projectionandexperienceofthechildsownimaginalfieldarealfieldof dreamsthatencouragesandsupportsavarietyofimaginativefeelings. Thesequenceofareasshouldfacilitateasuccessivelymoreintroverted relationshiptothematerialsthanthepreviousarea,sothatthepreschoolchild willbeengagedwithparentsandstaffwhiletheintermediateandyoungadult willworkmoreindependently. Infant,toddlerandpreschoolArea:Thisisanoisy,whimsicalareafor childrentwotofiveyearsold.Alargebulletinboardforchildren,andalarge, colorfulclockmaybevisiblefromtheentrance.Furnishingsshouldhaveno sharpcorners. Thereareseveralcollectionsofbooksinthepreschoolarea. Binshelvingwithalphabeticallabelsoneachbinwillholdpicturebooks. A"Toddler"sectionwillhaveboardbooksincolorfulcubes. Bigbookswillbehousedinaslopingshelfdisplay. Seatingwillinclude: Oversizechairsforparentstoreadstoriestotheirchildren Smalltablesandchairs(twosizes) Lowfloortableswithcushions. Asmall,lowplatformwithcarpetedstairsforchildrentoclimbsurrounded withatriplepaddedcarpetmightbeenjoyedbychildren.Theedgeofthe stairshouldhaveacontrastingcolor,andthereshouldbearampfor handicappedaccess.Thelocationofthisplatformshouldbecarefullychosen toavoidproximitytoheavytrafficareasandtoassuresafetyofchildren. Parenting,professionalandreferenceareaParents,teachers,childcareand homeschoolprovidersinadditiontochildrenwillusethisactivebutquiet area.Itmaycontain:
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Referenceandparentingcollectionneartables Collaborativeelectronicworkstationstofitparentorlibrarianandchild Tablesandchairs Anoversizedchairandahalfsoparentscanreadtotheirchildren Tutorialroomsforindividualconsultationwithchildren.

ElementaryschoolersK5intermediatebrowsing/reading:Adiscussion witholderchildrencomplainingthatchildren'sroomsweredesignedforlittle kids,andtherewasnoplaceforthem,suggeststhatagreateffortshouldbe madetodifferentiatethispartoftheroomfromthepreschoolspaces. ThispartoftheChildren'sAreawillsuggestamorecontainedbehaviorand moredirectedactivity. Itmightinclude: Bookstackswithwideaisles. Displayracksfornewemergentreadersbooksjuvenilefictionand nonfiction,andcompactdiscs Displayshelvingformagazinesandpaperbacks Avarietyofseatingandtableheights Electronicworkstations. Studyandhomeworkareawillinclude: Aquietareawithlowindividualcarrelsforstudy ComputersfordatabaseandInternetsearching Acopierwithasortingcounter Groupstudyareasforfourpeopleeach. Children'sMultiPurposeAreaThisiswherestoryhours,craftactivities, puppetshows,creativedramatics,parentingprograms,discussions,authortalks, bookgroupsandvideoviewingtakeplace.Theroomshouldhaveacoustical separationtokeepnoisefromenteringotherareasofthebuilding.Several foldingtablesandchairswithappropriatestoragewillbeuseful.Thestoryarea maybecarpeted. RestroomandrelatedfacilitiesThereshouldbeaunisexrestroomfor childrenlocatedwithinthechildren'sareaandconvenienttotheprogramroom. Itshouldincludeatoilet,sinkandchangingtable.Thereshouldalsobeawater fountainlocatednearby.

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StaffworkArea
TheChildren'sservicedeskshouldbevisibleuponenteringandshould providesupervisionoftheentirearea.Itwillhaveanareaforstaffwork locations,withcomputers,aprinter,andatelephone.Thedeskshouldincludean alternativematerialcheckoutlocationforbusytimesoftheday. Staffworkandstorageareasshouldbeincloseproximity.Thestaffworkarea willhaveelectronicworkstationswithInternetaccess,aprinter,anddesigntable andcounterforlaminatingequipment.Storagewillholdposters,prints,mobiles, flannelboards,andofficesupplies. OtherDesirableChildren's'Features Coatracksforchildrenshouldbeavailablenearthemultipurposeareaas wellasdistributedthroughouttheareaforconvenientaccesstoseating. Bicycleracksandstrollerspaceneartheentrancetothelibraryshouldbe protectedfromtherainandsnow. Bookbagstorage. FlexibilityandMobilefurnishings Inthechildren'sareathereistheneedtoreconfiguretheareaforspecial programsorweeklydisplays.Flexibilitywillbeenhancedby: Mobilemultimediadisplayunitswithflatscreens,books,display boardanddisplayshelvingforquicksetupoftopics LowshelvingonDarnellballbearingcasters Sledbasedchairsorchairsoncastersthatwillglideeasily.Children mayoccasionallyplaybumperchairs,buttheneedforflexibility outweighsoccasionaldisciplineproblems. Wirelesswheelbarrowelectronicworkstationswithtwowheelsand twolegsaffordtheopportunityforrapidrelocationwhileretaining somestability. Electricalandlowvoltagereceptaclesdistributedthroughoutthearea Wallplugsat36heightwithchildproofguards Lightfixturelocationsdesignedfortaskflexibility Acousticaladjustabilitybymovableacousticalpartitionsandsound dampeningmaterials.

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DesignResult
Theoverallresultofthechildren'sareadesignshouldbeanintriguing combinationofcreativity,function,andflexibility.Childrenshouldbeengaged byareasthatstimulatetheirimaginationwhilesuggestingavarietyofbehaviors. Alternatingbusyandquietenvironmentsshouldofferchildrenachoice.Thearea shouldbeeasytochangebothforshorttermdisplayandlongtermchangesin functionaschildrenchange.Parentsandothercaregiversshouldhavean opportunitytositwithchildrentoreadtothemandenjoytheirreadingskills. Thereshouldbeanopportunityforindividualconsultationwithchildrenfor teachinganddiscussion.

YoungAdultServices
Teenagersneedspaceforsocialactivitiesaswellasforageappropriatematerials andstudying.Teensshouldfeelwelcomeandhaveopportunitiestosocializeas wellasstudyquietly.Locatingteenservicesisoftenapuzzle.Alocationcloseto referenceservicesprovidestheincentivetostudybutaseparatelocationmay requireadditionalstaffing.Placingteensclosetoorinthechildren'sareais discouragingtomanyteens.Closeproximitytotheattractivedisplayofnew materials,especiallymusic,iswelcome. Teenscometothelibraryforwidelydifferingpurposes.Theywillalternate amongdifferentsetsofactivities. Theycometomeetfriends.Anareadesignedforacousticaldampeningof conversation,perhapsincludingasmallcoffeeandsnackservicearea wouldbeenjoyedbymanyteens. Teensstudyinsmallgroupssostudyareasfor46peoplewouldbe welcome. Musicisveryimportantforteens,especiallymusictheycanshare. Theseconflictingusesrequirecarefulacousticaldesigntoallownoisyandquiet activitieswithinthisspace,whichinturnwillbeacousticallyseparatedfrom otherareas. ServiceAreas
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Therecreationalusearea Thisareashouldemphasizeconstantlychangingpopularvideo,audio, books,andmagazinesonaflexiblelineardisplaysystemsothatparticular titlescanbeeasilylocated.Itshouldalsoincludeanartdisplayarea, bulletinboardseasytomovearound,comfortableloungeseatingwithlow tables,mobileviewingandlisteningstationswitheasilyrepairedor replacedequipment.Itmaybelocatednearafoodservicearea. Thestudyarea Thisareashouldinclude: Oversizestudytableswithfourchairseach Individualelectronicworkstations Aplaceforcoatsandbackpacks. Thisareamayhavetobeexpandedsoitshoulddesignedforflexibility. Additionalstaffmaybeneedediftheteenareaisexpanded.

YoungAdultDesignConsiderations Askteenswhattheywant Alternatingstudyandmeetingareas Flexiblesizeandfurnishings Musicopportunities Communityboardforevents Homeworkhelp Largetablesforinteractivework Groupstudyroomsoracousticaldampening Speciallightingeffects FurnishingsfromLineaorotherteensuppliers

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FunctionalAreaSheet
Nameof area Activities Dimensions

Occupancy Majordesignfeaturesandambienceof area

Furnishings& equipment

Materials

Seating

Proximity to

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Informationprovidedby

Date

Nameof area

YoungAdult

Dimensions 300 Sq. Ft.

Activities Teenagers find materials of interest, browse, relax, gather, talk Use computers for word processing, to get information of interest, homework, book reports and other research assignments. Occupancy Public 6 Majordesignfeaturesandambianceof area Relaxed, casual atmosphere Comfortable, attractive informal for browsing, reading, study Visible from circualtion area but appearance of privacy Acoustically isolated from adult reading and study Sound dampening materials on walls, floor and ceiling - area carpet Tackable wall surfaces for a bulletin board for teen art Electrical and low voltage wiring in place for wide area network connections Graphically interesting displays, teen art Furnishings& equipment Flexible display shelving for 500 books, CDs, DVDs Five magazine titles on tilt and store shelving Tackable wall surfaces for posters and student art Four electronic work stations 2 lounge seats with side tables or banquette Seating Total of 6 4 electronic work stations 2 lounge seats or banquette

Materials 25 shelves of materials

Proximity to Circulation Accessible without going through Childrens area. Adjacent to browsing, media areas. Visible from staff desk.

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Nameof area

Children'sStaff Service

Dimensions 300 Sq. ft.

Activities Helping children, parents, caregivers and teachers with reference, readers advisory, technical assistance, telephone , inter library loan, program registration. Administrative, answer telephone, preparation for childrens programs Occupancy Staff 2 Majordesignfeaturesandambianceof area Ability to visually control entire childrens area Acoustically dampened Task lighted Places to exhibit childrens posters and art works Support staff work activities with shelving for story time books videos and flannel boards. Window to Childrens Service Desk and visibility to picture book and study areas Door to craft, story area Storage closet with deep shelves Furnishings& equipment Staff service counter (no sharp edges) with child size height at one end for library registration area with 1 adult sized chair, 1 child sized chair shelves behind desk. Work station at service desk with PAC computer, printer, ergonomic chair, telephone Two 60 high single faced sections of shelving Two book trucks Photocopier and sorting shelf Large display calendar will list childrens events for the month Staff Work area: Electronic work station with chair Large table or counter for preparation of story and craft activities, paper cutter, Visitors chair Lateral files Telephone Clock, Waste basket, paper cutter Lots of storage for craft and display materials Seating 1 staff seat, 1 guest chair

Proximity to Story/Crafts Staff should have visibility to the entire Childrens Room Distant from reference and quiet study areas

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Nameof Area ChildrensFic/NonFiction

Dimensions400 SF

Activities

Children and parents will browse, look for particular books

_____________________________________________________________________________ _ Occupancy Public 8 _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Majordesignfeaturesandambianceof area Task lighted book stacks in one uniform pattern for easy finding of materials Good visibility from staff service area Wide aisles, well-lighted with subject signage Displays interspersed within the stacks Two small alcoves with seating for 4 in each

_____________________________________________________________________________ _ Furnishings& equipment 66 high shelving ranges 18' long double-faced book stacks to hold 4000 books Stack end panel displays Magazine display rack for 5 titles Paperback display shelving 2 OPAC terminals, LIFT display units for videos, CDs and audio books 4 tables for 4 _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Seating 8 seats

_____________________________________________________________________________ _ Materials 120 three foot long shelves to hold 3,000 books Stacks spaced six feet on centers and six shelves high.

________________________________________________________________ __ Proximityto
Childrens Service Desk

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Nameof Area

Picturebooks

Dimensions

300 Sq. Ft.

Activities Parents and children select materials, browse, and read Occupancy Public 12

Majordesignfeaturesandambianceof area Child safety considerations such as rounded corners and protected electrical receptacles should be incorporated in the design Open activity space for children defined by picture book bins and shelving Children will select picture books Parents will read with children Sound absorbing materials are essential Lighting should emphasize the colorful book covers Visual and acoustical separation from children's study area is essential Furnishings& equipmen t Entrance and new materials Display area with easels, bulletin board Pyramid display for 20 new materials with movable boxes. Space for parking strollers Storage bins for backpacks Activity Area Play center with large interactive toys BIG BOOKS, puzzles, toys games, blocks Parents Area 2 oversized adult lounge chairs for parent and child to read together parent resource one section single faced shelving. Picture book area 4 mobile Bin units for 1500 picture books 25 shelves for 1000 easy readers Board books Seating 12 total 2 small tables with 4 chairs each 2 lounge chairs 2 electronic work stations

Materials Proximityto

4 mobile bin units and 25 shelves for materials Entrance to Children's Room, story area and crafts, restrooms Away from quiet areas, Teens and adult

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Nameof area ChildProgramsand Media

Dimensions500 Sq. Ft.

Activities Story hour for 30 children after school and summer programs for school age children, children's films and/or videos, and craft activities _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Occupancy Public 30 _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Majordesignfeaturesandambianceof area Flexible for a variety of programs such as stories, crafts, play activities. Safe, warm and friendly place for young children which also can serve for pre school, elementary and school children's programs Warm, light, neutral wall colors with tackable wall surfaces Visible through glass with curtains or shades, but acoustically separated from other children's areas Sink and counter area with washable floor. Easily maintained floor covering High intensity lighting (70 foot candles) with low glare Capable of being darkened for films/video Cable TV hookup Glass door to staff work area Emergency exit Perimeter wall shelving Large storage closet. _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Furnishings& equipment Four folding adjustable-height modular tables Thirty stackable chairs for story hour, one large chair for story telling 9' long 36" high 30" deep counter with sink and storage cabinets above and below child safe double electrical receptacles at 38" height distributed around room Tackable wall surfaces Single faced adjustable wall shelving Adjustable 15 deep industrial shelving for storage closet with lock. Clock and Wastebaskets Mobile display units for 500 media items _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Seating Staff 1 Public 30 { note: stackable meeting seats} _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Proximityto Children's office Picture and beginning area Distant from adult areas,

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